Keys to unlocking the Cloud.

Let me see if I can help you understand this. The keys are a lot like a how to win the lottery primer. Sounds a little far fetched I know but just go with me on this. 

The truest expression for winning the lottery is that "you have to be in it to win it". For Cloud Computing it is "the more you use the more you get". The benefits of Cloud computing are just like the benefits of the Personal Computer itself.  Its not one great application that makes the PC great. Its the buffet of applications that unlock its potential and give back its value and your ability to pick what you need.

So should we think that Cloud Computing is any different. In fact its really an extension of the PC paradigm which I'd like to state as: "the integration, personalization and use of applications with hardware that significantly enhances our performance and our experience." Now that that's said, you want to know what and how to get the benefits.

Well first thing you have to do is "believe" and trust that this new way will deliver to your expectations ... eventually. That means you might not hit a home run the first time up at bat.  Keep swinging anyway. Try out every application that you can. There's hundreds to choose from and the one someone else is using might not be the one that delivers the most value to you. Its like wearing someone else's shoes.  Don't! If you like the style, keep looking for something in your size that fits you, don't give up until it feels right. Compromising will only hurt you in the long run. Then if it works for awhile, don't be afraid to change when it doesn't feel right any longer. Migration is key and loyalty is a very selfish part of the equation.

Don't get discouraged and think you're not going to ever get any value out of the effort.  Its like exercise, you don't see the results immediately. Go ahead an get started, it will get you to finish line that much sooner.